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(No Model.)

G. F. GRIFFIN.

METALLIC BOX.

No. 304,096. Pa sented Aug. 26, 1884;

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GEORGE FEATHERSTONE GRIFFIN OF LONDON, COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, ENGLAND.

METALLiC BOX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 304,096, dated August 26, 1884.

Application filed May 17, 1884.

(No model.) Patented in England January l0,l884,1\'o. L187.

such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference beinghad to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to an improvement in metallic packing-boxes; and it consists in a special construction of the top plate and cover whereby the latter is firmly clamped in place though capable of being removed by a lever of any kind acting over apart of the top plate as a fulcrum.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, Figure l is avertical section of a box embodying my improvements. Fig. 2 is a modification thereof, also in section; and Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the top plate, all as hereinafter fully described and claimed.

A represents the body of abox, can, or other receptacle, carrying a top plate, B, either integral with the sides thereof, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, or of a separate piece of metal adapted to be riveted or soldered thereto should the shape or size of the can notpermit such formation, or should the body of the can be of another metal. or of different material, such as earthenware, wood, glass, &c. Either the inner edge, b, or the outer, b, can be continued in the sides of the box, the essential features of this top plate being the bend F and the spring-clamping groove G. The former is, as shown, merely a bend in the outer edge of the top plate, and its use will be presently described. The spring-clamping groove is an annular channel in the top plate smaller than said bend F and in a plane somewhat lower. This groove G is formed by doubling the metal sharply back upon itselfiand its office is to clamp the lower edge ofa flange, c, on the cover C when such cover is in place. The said cover has a fold, 0, around its outer edge,

from which the flange 0 extends downward, as shown.

In closing thebox, the cover is placed in position and forced sharply down,either by pressure or pounding. This motion drives the lower edge of the flange 0 into the groove G, where it is securely held by the natural spring of the metal acting as a vise.

In opening the box, the cover is removed by inserting a lever of any kind under the fold a and over the bend F as a fulcrum, when the cover can be easily pried off without injury to cover or box.

As shown in Fig. 1, the box is adapted to receive meats or other solid substances, which it is desired to remove in pieces or in bulk, and in this instance the top plate and cover are made larger in circumference than the body of the box for obvious reasons. I do not confine myself, however, to this particular form, for when liquids or semi-liquids are to be canned, a construction such as shown in Fig. 2 can be employedi. a, theouter edge, I), of the top plate cangonti nue the sides of the box, which latter will belarger in circumference than the cover.

I find that by forcing the edge of the lid into the spring-clip above described the package is practically hermetically sealed; but in order to provide against any contingency I sometimes, in addition to wedging the cover in the groove, add a layer of paint, varnish, or any material that will adhere and form a strong cement, which in all cases remains on the actual exterior of the package, the mechanical tightness of the joint preventing its entry into the package and consequently diminishing the liability of any injury to the contents.

I claim as my invention 1. In a packing-box, the metallic top plate, B, having upwardly-opening spring clam pinggroove G, adapted to clasp a flange, c, on the cover, as described.

2. In a packing-box, the metallic top plate, B, having upwardly-opening spring clampinggroove G, adapted to clasp a flange, c, on the cover, in combination with the annular bend I, for the purpose described.

3. In a packing-box, the metallic top plate, B, having npwardlyopening spring clamping- IOO groove G, adapted to clasp a flange c, on the cover, in combination with the annular bend F and the cover-fold o, for the purpose set forth.

4. A packing-box having its sides bent back outwardly, and folded so as to form an upwardly-opening spring clamping-groove, (1, adapted to clasp a flange, c, on the cover, substantially as described.

5. Apacking-box having its sidesbent back outwardly, and folded so as to form an up- Wardly-opening spring clampinggroove, G, adapted to clasp a flange, 0, on the cover, in combination with the annular bend F, larger in circumference than said clamping-groove, for the purpose described.

3. A packing-box having its sides bent back outwardly, and folded so as to form an upwardly-opening spring clanipinggroove, G,

In testimony whereof I affix mysignature in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE FEATHERSTONE GRIFFIN.

. Witnesses:

JNO. DEAN, G. V. XVEsT-LEY,

Both of 17 Gmocchurch S11, London. 

